MR. AUBERTIN IS KNOWN FOR BEING A CALYPSONIAN, EDUCATOR, WRITER AND CULTURAL ACTIVIST.
The cultural and artistic fraternity is mourning the loss of former Director of Culture, Mr. Michael Aubertin.
Minister with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose, said the contribution of Mike, as he was affectionately known, goes beyond just the desk of the Cultural Development Foundation. He was a calypsonian, educator, writer and cultural activist. He was a mentor to many—a charismatic individual with a kind soul and gentle spirit, she added.
“In 1979, he was Saint Lucia’s reigning Calypso King with his feature song “Making Bread on the Dead.” That is significant; but more importantly, he served Saint Lucia as the Director of Culture during the time I worked within the Ministry of Culture along with Jacinta St. Helene and Damian Greaves. We all worked with Mike Aubertin saw the beauty of a gentle spirit, but certainly a giant in terms of what he offered to the Department of Culture.
“So it is with deep regret that we extend condolences to his family, and in particular his wife, Rose. We are saddened by the loss.”
Michael Aubertin is also known for his album of kwéyol poetry, “Mighty Laughs” and short stories “In the Sun’s Eye, an Anthology of Caribbean Writings.” He is the author of “Neg Maron, Freedom Fighter” a novel that provides thought-provoking insight into the island’s past and how it might inform society today.
Sen. Belrose said Saint Lucia will be poorer for having lost one of its sons who contributed selflessly to its development.